Auction Rooms

It was an insanely hot day, but the inside of Auction Rooms was cool and breezy - both the people and the room. The industrial-chic interior of this converted warehouse was absolutely gorgeous and I found myself absolutely captivated with it's rustic ambience and open space. 

Here at Auction Rooms, they're quite serious about their coffee (and the rest of Melbourne I suppose) - roasting and serving up Small Batch Roasting Co Specialty Coffee from beans sourced from the world's best coffee-growing regions. 

Even when we were waiting in line for a seat, we were asked if we were interested in sampling their filter coffee of the day - the Colombian Geisha. The friendly waiter proceeded to explain the origins of the coffee and asked us to spot hints of stone fruit and chocolate notes. Excellent service, I must say. 

Iced Coffee

Served super chilled, my Iced Coffee was bang on - rich, sweet and certainly worked to hit the spot. 

House-style Lemonade

Simple and fresh, T ordered Auction Room's house-style lemonade - perfect for a hot summer day. 

Olive Oil Poached Tasmanian Trumpeter

Onto the food now - and boy was the brunch menu adventurous. With us oo-ing and ah-ing, I hoped the waitress understood why we took so long to decide to place our bids.

In the end, the Olive Oil Poached Tasmanian Trumpeter had me sold. The fish had a beautiful firm white flesh, which was moist and tasty. Even though it was poached in olive oil, the fish was not oily at all. The soft omelette pillow, reminiscent of clouds went surprisingly well with the chewy sweet-fleshed pippies. 

Zucchini Blossom Salad

T, on the other hand went for a light, fresher option - a salad of zucchini blossom, Lebanese purslane, manchego cheese - all studded with puffed quinoa and drizzled in a muscatel vinaigrette.

I really do wonder how it took me so long to visit Auction Rooms. I mean, it satisfies every criteria - good brunch, good coffee, lovely space and lovely people. I feel like I've been missing out.


Auction Rooms
103-107 Errol Street

North Melbourne, VIC

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Hot Star Large Fried Chicken & Gong Cha

Hailing from Taiwan's famous Shilin Market (士林夜市), Hot Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大鸡排) has landed in Melbourne, and with a bang. Hot Star can be easily found on Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street, but if you are having problems finding it, just spot the long queues or let the wafting aroma guide you there. 

Established in 1992 by Mr Wang, Hot Star's famous Extra Large Chicken has been satisfying the people of Taiwan with its addicting offerings for years. Today, Hot Star has become one of Taiwan's best-known and must try-snacks. 

Of course, when something this amazing exists, it's only fair to share. Shanghai, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong were next and it was only in time that it came to the land down under. 

Hot Star Large Fried Chicken

Encrusted in a deliciously moreish salt and pepper, the humungous 30cm chicken breast was hot, crispy and mouth-wateringly good. Hidden underneath this golden crunch was meat that was so incredibly juicy and succulent. Prepared daily and having been marinated for 24 hours may help explain this.

The genius, Mr Wang himself, had come all the way to Melbourne to ensure that it was just as delicious and authentic as the one you would find at Shilin Market.

Chicken Bites

As well as the famous Large Fried Chicken, Hot Star also offer smaller nibbles to munch on. Awe-inspiringly crunchy, these crispy bite sized pieces were dusted with a spicy seasoning - with just the right touch of heat. But be warned, these chicken pops should be handled with care. Because once you pop, you can't stop.

Mushroom Bites

Like the Extra Large Chicken, the oyster mushrooms were coated in their special marinade and tapioca flour before dipped into the deep fryer -  promising each bite is full of crunch and flavour.

Sweet Potato Fries

Curly Fries

With the Large Fried Chicken earning a permanent spot on the menu, the Hot Star menu varies from country to country to cater for the local crowds' tastebuds. Crunchy Popcorn Squid for the Singaporeans, Fishball Skewers for the Hong Kongnese, and Sweet Potato Fries for us Melbournians. Scattered with a tangy plum salt, these hand cut sweet potato fries were JJ's favourite. Curly Fries  made an appearance too.

Between scoffing down all these deep-fried goodies, we quenched our thirst with some Gong Cha. A cool Matcha Milk Tea with Red Bean for JJ, and a refreshing Lychee Oolong Tea for me. Perfect.

Having travelled to Taiwan early in 2013, I would have to say that the Hot Star Large Fried Chicken was one of the highlights from my trip. And how great it is that I can now get my Hot Star fix here in Melbourne. With Gong Cha in one hand and Hot Star in the other, it felt like I was back in Taiwan. Fry me to heaven Hot Star Large Fried Chicken.

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Hot Star Large Fried Chicken & Gong Cha

Hot Star Large Fried Chicken & Gong Cha

231-233 Swanston Street

Melbourne, VIC 

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Frozen by A Thousand Blessings

There are a lot of things to like about Frozen. Both the frozen yogurt shop Frozen by A Thousand Blessings, and the Disney movie Frozen. Yes, I may just be slightly obsessed. Let it go.

At first glance, the movie Frozen seems to be just another Disney princess film. However, look a little deeper and you realise just how different it actually is - stepping away from the clichés of love at first sight and damsels in distress. And how can I not mention Olaf. 

Like the movie Frozen, frozen yogurt shop Frozen by A Thousand Blessings may look like just another froyo joint (cough - Yo-Chi). But, take a step inside and you'll see that it is much more. 

What stood out to me the most was that all frozen yogurts are made with Biodynamic unhomogonised full cream milk, and sweetened with Stevia - rather than sugar. On top of this, the calorie conscience can really appreciate the nutrition cards that specify what and how much of Frozen goodness that is scoffed down. And for toppings ? Help yourself to over 30 assortments and fill to your heart's content! Think Hello Pandas, mini meringues and green tea mochis. 

With so many goodies to choose from, this was our result. 

How do you like your froyo ? 

Frozen by A Thousand Blessings
670 Chapel Street

South Yarra, VIC

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